Yes, keeping chickens in Brooklyn is permitted, but it comes with specific rules and regulations that need to be followed to ensure that the chickens are kept safely and that neighbors are not disturbed. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about raising chickens in Brooklyn, New York City.
1. Local Regulations and Zoning Laws
New York City, including Brooklyn, has specific rules for the keeping of chickens. These rules are designed to ensure that the chickens are raised safely and hygienically and to minimize issues such as noise and waste.
Permit Requirements: In New York City, you are allowed to keep chickens in your backyard, but you **must** have a permit from the **NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)**. You need to apply for a **poultry permit** and comply with the health and safety regulations set by the city. The permit is typically issued for **up to 5 hens** for personal use (i.e., for eggs, not for commercial purposes). You cannot keep roosters in NYC due to noise concerns.
Roosters: **Roosters are not allowed** in Brooklyn or any part of New York City. The loud crowing of roosters can be a significant disturbance, especially in urban and residential areas. Therefore, you can only keep **hens** in your backyard.
Number of Chickens: You are allowed to keep up to **5 hens** in Brooklyn with the appropriate permit. However, if you live in a larger backyard or a more rural setting in New York City, you may be able to apply for more chickens, but you would need to confirm the specific guidelines with the local authorities.
2. Housing and Space Requirements
Chickens require a safe, secure, and clean environment to live in. Even in an urban setting like Brooklyn, it’s important to provide your chickens with enough space to roam and a secure, protected place to sleep and lay eggs.
Coop Size: The coop should be large enough to house your chickens comfortably. A typical guideline is **2–3 square feet** of space per chicken inside the coop. For example, if you have 5 chickens, your coop should be at least **10–15 square feet**. Inside the coop, you should have **nesting boxes** for egg-laying and **roosting bars** for the chickens to sleep on at night.
Outdoor Run: Chickens need access to an outdoor run to exercise, forage, and scratch. The general recommendation is at least **8–10 square feet** per chicken in the outdoor run. If you have a small backyard, you can use a **portable chicken run** (chicken tractor), which allows you to move the chickens to fresh ground while also protecting your garden from overuse.
Fencing: Your chicken run must be securely fenced to prevent the chickens from escaping and to protect them from predators. Use sturdy materials like **welded wire** or **hardware cloth**, and ensure the fence is at least **4–6 feet** tall. It’s also important to bury the fence a few inches underground to prevent predators from digging underneath.
3. Waste Management and Cleanliness
Managing waste is a critical part of keeping chickens in Brooklyn, especially in an urban setting. Chicken manure can create odors and attract pests if not properly managed. Regular cleaning and waste disposal are essential to maintain a healthy environment for both the chickens and your neighbors.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the coop at least once a week to remove manure, soiled bedding, and food scraps. This helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and keeps odors at bay.
- Composting Chicken Manure: Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen and can be composted for use in your garden. However, fresh chicken manure is too strong for plants, so it needs to be composted for several months before use.
- Odor Control: Make sure the chicken coop has good ventilation to allow for air circulation and to reduce ammonia buildup. You can also use lime, wood shavings, or straw in the bedding to help absorb moisture and control odors.
4. Noise and Neighbor Considerations
Noise is one of the biggest concerns when keeping chickens in an urban area. While hens are quieter than roosters, they can still make noise, particularly when they are laying eggs or interacting with each other. It’s important to consider your neighbors when keeping chickens in Brooklyn.
- Hen Noise: While hens are quieter than roosters, they can still make some noise. This includes clucking, chirping, and occasional squawking. To minimize noise, position the chicken coop away from shared property lines or walls where sound can travel easily.
- Communication with Neighbors: It’s always a good idea to talk to your neighbors before getting chickens. This can help address any concerns about noise or smell and prevent future conflicts. Clear communication can often solve potential issues before they arise.
- Soundproofing: To reduce noise, you may also consider using soundproofing materials or building a solid fence around the chicken run to minimize the sounds reaching neighboring properties.
5. Enrichment and Natural Behaviors
Chickens are active, social animals that need space to roam and engage in natural behaviors. In an urban setting like Brooklyn, it’s important to provide enrichment to keep the chickens happy and healthy.
- Foraging: Chickens love to forage for food. You can scatter grains, vegetables, or kitchen scraps around their run to encourage foraging behavior, which keeps them mentally stimulated and physically active.
- Dust Bathing: Chickens need to take dust baths to maintain clean feathers and prevent parasites. Provide a dust-bathing area with sand, dirt, or ash where chickens can roll around.
- Socialization: Chickens are social creatures and do best when kept in groups. Keeping at least two or three hens together will prevent loneliness and stress.
6. Benefits of Keeping Chickens in Brooklyn
Despite the challenges of keeping chickens in an urban area, there are several benefits to raising chickens in Brooklyn:
- Fresh Eggs: One of the primary benefits is access to fresh, homegrown eggs that are healthier and tastier than store-bought eggs.
- Natural Pest Control: Chickens are excellent at controlling pests like insects, slugs, and small rodents, reducing the need for chemical pesticides in your garden.
- Sustainability: Raising chickens promotes sustainability by reducing food waste (as chickens can eat scraps) and providing natural fertilizer in the form of chicken manure.
- Educational Opportunity: Keeping chickens can be an educational experience, teaching responsibility and providing insight into where food comes from.
7. Conclusion: Keeping Chickens in Brooklyn
In conclusion, it is possible to keep chickens in Brooklyn, as long as you follow the city’s regulations, including obtaining a permit, keeping only hens (no roosters), and ensuring your chickens have enough space and proper care. Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience that provides you with fresh eggs, pest control, and a more sustainable lifestyle.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully raise chickens in Brooklyn, providing a healthy and happy environment for your chickens while being considerate of your neighbors and complying with city rules.